Billy Wilder’s Witness for the Prosecution is often hailed as one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made. Based on Agatha Christie’s play (itself adapted from her short story), the film is a masterpiece of suspense, wit, and twisty storytelling. Below is a comprehensive look into the film, including its plot, ending, cast, behind-the-scenes details, and why it remains essential viewing.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Enter Sir Wilfrid Robarts
The film opens with Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton), a brilliant but ill-tempered barrister recovering from a heart attack. Against his nurse’s advice, he quickly becomes entangled in a new case that promises to be both physically taxing and mentally exhilarating.
Leonard Vole and the Murder Charge
Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), a charming but financially struggling man, is accused of murdering Mrs. Emily French, a wealthy older widow who recently changed her will to leave him her fortune. The prosecution believes Leonard had both motive and opportunity.
The Unexpected Wife
The key witness—and Leonard’s wife—Christine Vole (Marlene Dietrich), shocks the defense by siding with the prosecution. She provides testimony that damages Leonard’s alibi, essentially presenting him as guilty. This betrayal becomes the centerpiece of the courtroom battle.
The Courtroom Chess Match
The trial itself is filled with Wilder’s trademark sharp dialogue. Sir Wilfrid maneuvers against the prosecution with flair, dismantling witnesses with clever cross-examinations. The tension mounts as Christine’s testimony looms over Leonard like a guillotine.
The Mysterious Letters
Things shift when Sir Wilfrid receives a package of anonymous letters that suggest Christine may have ulterior motives. He arranges to meet a mysterious woman who provides evidence that could undermine Christine’s testimony. This new information becomes pivotal in the defense strategy.
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Movie Ending
In one of cinema’s most famous twists, it is revealed that Christine had staged the entire letter-writing scheme. The “mysterious woman” who provided the letters was Christine herself in disguise. She wanted to manipulate Sir Wilfrid into believing she was untrustworthy, so that when the court discovered her perjury, Leonard would be acquitted.
The plan works: Leonard is found not guilty. The courtroom erupts in shock, and Sir Wilfrid realizes he has been brilliantly deceived.
But then comes the second—and even more shocking—twist: Leonard confesses privately that he really did murder Mrs. French. Christine, horrified by his smug admission, realizes she was used. In a final act of betrayal and revenge, she stabs Leonard to death in front of everyone, ensuring justice in her own way. Sir Wilfrid, though stunned, immediately takes control of the courtroom chaos, declaring he will defend Christine for this new crime. The film ends on this sharp, ironic note, leaving audiences reeling.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. Witness for the Prosecution predates the era of post-credits stingers. The final courtroom climax and Leonard’s shocking fate serve as the definitive ending.
Type of Movie
The film is a courtroom drama, but it also incorporates elements of mystery, thriller, and dark comedy, thanks to Billy Wilder’s sharp direction.
Cast
- Tyrone Power as Leonard Vole
- Marlene Dietrich as Christine Vole
- Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts
- Elsa Lanchester as Miss Plimsoll (Sir Wilfrid’s nurse, and comic relief)
- John Williams as Mr. Mayhew
- Henry Daniell as Mr. Mayhew’s partner
- Una O’Connor as Janet MacKenzie (the housekeeper, in her final film role)
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Matty Malneck, though much of the film relies on dramatic silence, dialogue, and courtroom atmosphere rather than a heavy musical presence.
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Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily on sound stages at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom, with meticulously recreated courtroom sets. These locations highlight the intensity of confined spaces, reinforcing the film’s claustrophobic suspense.
Awards and Nominations
The film was both a critical and commercial hit. Notable recognition includes:
- 6 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Billy Wilder), Best Actor (Charles Laughton), Best Supporting Actress (Elsa Lanchester), Best Sound, and Best Film Editing.
- Golden Globe nominations and critical acclaim worldwide.
It did not win an Oscar but remains considered one of the best courtroom films in cinema history.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Charles Laughton’s real-life wife, Elsa Lanchester, played his nurse. Their natural chemistry added humor and warmth.
- Billy Wilder fought to preserve the ending twist, even requesting audiences not reveal it. Theater posters famously read: “Don’t reveal the ending to your friends.”
- Tyrone Power’s role as Leonard Vole was his last film performance; he died shortly afterward in 1958.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on Agatha Christie’s 1925 short story and subsequent 1953 play adaptation. Wilder added his own flourishes of humor and pacing but stayed true to Christie’s ingenious plotting.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Agatha Christie’s original short story ends slightly differently, with fewer dramatic flourishes. Wilder heightened Christine’s final act (the stabbing) to make the ending more cinematic and shocking.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie sticks closely to Christie’s play but injects Wilder’s signature humor, especially through Sir Wilfrid’s constant clashes with his nurse. The courtroom banter is sharper, and Christine’s disguise sequence is more elaborate in the film.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Christine’s shocking testimony against Leonard.
- The reveal of Christine’s disguise as the letter-writing woman.
- Leonard’s private confession after his acquittal.
- Christine stabbing Leonard in the final shocking twist.
Iconic Quotes
- Sir Wilfrid: “My learned friend is being unusually offensive today. Must be something he ate.”
- Christine Vole: “He killed her. I know he killed her. I swear it!”
- Sir Wilfrid (at the end): “We’ve been duped, hoodwinked, bamboozled, and generally had.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The posters and trailers included a warning not to spoil the ending—one of the earliest uses of spoiler protection in movie marketing.
- Elsa Lanchester improvised much of her comedic banter with Charles Laughton.
- The disguise scene with Christine was intentionally shot with shadows and minimal lighting to preserve audience shock.
Trivia
- Billy Wilder insisted that all cast members sign confidentiality agreements not to reveal the ending.
- Tyrone Power reportedly lost weight for the role to appear more vulnerable and desperate.
- The film’s twist ending is often ranked among the greatest in cinema history.
Why Watch?
If you love courtroom thrillers, Agatha Christie mysteries, or classic Hollywood films, Witness for the Prosecution is essential viewing. It combines razor-sharp dialogue, powerhouse performances, and one of the most jaw-dropping finales ever filmed.
